Maltese participation in the 2013/14 UEFA competitions begins this evening when Sliema Wanderers host Azerbaijan’s Khazar Lankaran in the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off 5.45pm).
Khazar Lankaran are something of an unknown proposition for Sliema but it says everything about their ambition and spending power that they have managed to lure an experienced and renowned coach like John Toshack to their fold.
Since last week’s draw pitted Sliema against Khazar Lankaran, dubbed ‘Caucasian Chelsea’ because of their financial muscle, Alfonso Greco, the Wanderers coach, has been gathering infor-mation about his side’s opponents to prepare his troops as best as he can for their impending challenge.
“They are stronger than us,” Greco told Times of Malta.
“We know it’s going to be very difficult but we will be doing our best to give a good account of ourselves.
“They (Khazar Lankaran) have a very good squad comprising expe-rienced players who have also played in Italy.
“It is clear that they are club who can afford to sign players of a certain quality. They also have a big-name coach in John Toshack.”
Greco’s assertion that Khazar are favourites to win this tie suggests a cautious gameplan as Sliema, back in European football after a three-year absence, chase a positive result to stay in contention ahead of their trip to Azerbaijan next week.
The Italian coach, whose detailed approach lifted Sliema back into the upper reaches of Maltese football last season, is demanding a high-intensity game from his team.
“We have to play an intense game,” Greco said. “They have several technical players and if we allow them to express themselves, we will have problems.
“We have to be very aggressive.”
Greco is expected to rely on the core of players who formed the backbone of last season’s squad as the Blues have not made any signi-ficant signings in the close season so far.
Young Italian forward Andrea Navarra featured for Sliema in the Euro Cup but he can’t play this evening as his international transfer certificate has not arrived in time.
Midfielder Mark Scerri is doubtful while experienced striker Ivan Woods is unlikely to be involved today as he’s in the final phase of his recovery from a hamstring tear. Woods could be included in the squad but he’s targeting a return in the away game.
Mindful not to raise expectations, Greco talked down Sliema’s chances of progressing to the next round of the Europa League.
“It will be difficult for us, we have to be realistic,” Greco said. “But in football anything can happen. They are the favourites to go through but we will give our 100 per cent.”
Khazar’s squad includes a host of Brazilians and several other players from Eastern Europe.
Greco identified Adrian Pit, a Romanian midfielder who spent three years on the books of Roma, as their most influential player.
“Pit is a very important player for them,” Greco said.
“He is strong and experienced, having been with clubs like Roma, Triestina and Pisa.”
The referee of this evening’s match is Eiko Saar, from Estonia.
Today’s other matches
M. Skopje vs Qarabag; Trans vs Gefle; Bala vs Levadia.